5 Reasons to Get a Medical Coding Certification

Medical billing and coding professionals, especially those who are certified, are in high demand for many reasons. Medical advancements and the widespread use of electronic health records are causing the medical coding and billing field to grow. Even with software systems to do the heavy lifting, medical organizations always need help inputting and analyzing billing information. As such, here are 5 reasons to earn your medical coding certification.

1. You’ll work a set schedule every week.

Most medical coding and billing professionals work a 40-hour work week during business hours. Working this kind of schedule can help you balance both work and life at home. Freelance medical coders set their own schedules, which affords even more flexibility.

2. You’ll have job security.

Medical coders are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment rates for medical were expected to increase 15 percent from 2014 to 2024, more than double the average growth rate for all occupations measured.

3. You’ll have a rewarding career without many inconveniences.

Medical coding and billing professionals serve in an industry that improves the lives of people every day. However, they don’t work 14-hour overnight shifts or get their hands dirty – with blood or other bodily fluids, that is. As a medical coder, you may have the chance to work with both patients and medical professionals to help them work though billing and insurance questions.

4. You’ll earn a comfortable salary, which can increase once you’re certified.

The average salary of a certified medical coder is $43,000. Working in the right city/geographic region or gaining more experience can bump up the expected salary to $57,000. Certified medical coders earn $7,000/year on average more than coders who are not certified. Need a little more incentive? Full-time employees can get health insurance benefits and participate in their institution’s 401(k) program.

5. You can achieve work-life balance.

Stay-at-home parents can perform medical coding and billing jobs remotely. Some employers allow coders to work from home. If you choose to freelance, you don’t have to commit to a 9-to-5 schedule but choose to set your hours around your family needs. Freelancers also attract more prospects once they earn their medical coding and billing certification.